Saturday, April 8th The Sabbath

Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Luke 23:56

Read Matthew 27:62-66

What if? The chief priests began to worry. They compared notes about Jesus. Hadn’t He claimed that He would rise again after 3 days? They worried even more. What if His disciples stage a resurrection? What if they steal the body after 3 days and spread the news throughout the countryside that He has risen from the dead? How would they ever silence a hoax like that?

While the Jews enjoyed the Sabbath, the disciples of Jesus rested, fatigued by the grief they felt. But on this day of rest, the Pharisees and chief priests still paced the floor, afraid that the deception of the Messiah was not yet over.

Seeking another special audience with Pilate, the Jewish leaders expressed their concern. The perception of a risen Christ would be worse than the original problem. Some measure of security would have to be taken.

Pilate listened again and once more gave little attention to the nagging troubles of the Jews. He gave them a guard and the freedom to secure the grave anyway they deemed necessary.

A seal was placed around the stone. It was made of cord or string and fastened at each end with special clay or wax. If the stone was moved, the seal would break. Just to be absolutely certain there would be no problems, the guard was posted in front of the tomb. Security in place, the priests could finally take their Sabbath rest.

Something to think about

1. Why were the leaders so worried?

2. How long was Jesus in the tomb? Which days?

3. How does this extra security help prove the resurrection?